Hugh Jackmanmay be one of the nicest guys in Hollywood, but the Australian actor admits to Celebuzz that he loved channeling his bad side for his upcoming film, Real Steel.

In the movie, Jackman plays Charlie Kenton, a washed-up boxer and robot fight promoter who reluctantly takes in his estranged son (Dakota Goyo) after the death of his ex-girlfriend. The real-life father-of-two confesses that he reveled at the opportunity to play a neglectful father.

“Truth be told, I kind of enjoyed it,” Hugh jokes.

“I have kids. I have an 11-year-old and there are literally times where you want to say things but you just shove it back down,” explains Jackman, “I’ve walked out of rooms — so frustrated in fear of what I’m going to say in that moment. For three months, it all just came out.”

“But the gift of having children is that they come in with these things — maybe different than what you’re into — but because you love them so much, you want to be with them so much and connect with them,” Hugh continues, smiling, “I found myself in more museums and looking through geological books. Now I can tell you things about history and culture that I never thought I would’ve known. It’s really about listening to your kid and connecting with them rather than forcing them to like the things you like.”

How sweet! Someone give this man a “Father of the Year” award already!